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Agribusiness Association eyes key Iowa legislation
As the Iowa Legislature begins work on the 2026 session, agriculture and agribusiness are once again front and center in policy discussions at the Statehouse. The Agribusiness Association of Iowa states that several proposals this year could directly impact investment decisions, regulatory certainty, and the way businesses operate across rural Iowa. Julie Kenney, CEO of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa, says one of the group’s top priorities is the Iowa Farm Act, a proposal she describes...
U.S. Export Sales Report (11-7-24)
Strong export sales were reported again this week by the USDA. The hope is that these sales will continue past the week of the election. Allendale commodity broker Greg McBride gave an update on the latest numbers. Recent flash sales have actually lightened up a...
National FFA leadership team has wide variety of farm experience
Thirty-seven candidates vied for the honor of being elected to the 2024-2025 National FFA Leadership Team during the recent National FFA Convention. This year’s team has a wide variety of farm experience, but they all share a common passion for agriculture. Mary...
Soybean markets turning more attention to planting in South America
As harvest wraps up in the United States, oilseed markets are turning more attention to planting progress in South America. USDA Outlook Board Chairman Mark Jekanowski says the markets have a new focus. He says oil seed analysts and traders are paying close attention...
Treasury expands foreign land purchase oversight
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a final rule that significantly expands its ability to review real estate transactions by foreign persons near more than 60 military bases across 30 states. The Treasury, as Chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United...
Is Ag in a recession? It depends on who you ask
We talked earlier in the week about the October Rural Mainstreet Index numbers being less than stellar. But what does that mean for the Ag industry? It all depends on who you ask. Most economists agree that things are slower and more sideways than in recent years, and...
End of harvest season defined by plentiful rain
Rainy weather has defined the end of harvest season across the state. Northeast Iowa Beck’s Agronomist Lee Koenigsfeld said he’s been getting very consistent rains in his area. Koenigsfeld said beans are fully harvested in his neck of the woods, while corn is nearly...
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Protecting your pasture cattle from parasites
Parasites will be close by when cattle are out on pasture. Good pasture management and a strategic deworming protocol can limit the chances of parasites affecting the efficiency and performance of your beef herd. Dr. D.L Step, a professional services veterinarian with...
Lower domestic cattle inventory to start the year
USDA’s first Cattle Inventory report for 2025 reflects a year over year decrease says USDA livestock analyst Mike McConnell. The overall herd size continues to contract with numbers remaining very low, but McConnell says that there are some interesting takeaways from...
Secretary Naig launches the Choose Iowa butchery innovation grant program
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig today announced the launch of the Choose Iowa Butchery Innovation Grant program. Small-scale meat processors and custom lockers are encouraged to submit proposals to expand meat processing capacity within Iowa. This grant is...
Strong U.S. red meat presence at Tokyo’s Yakiniku Business Fair
With support from USDA, the Beef Checkoff Program and the United Soybean Board, U.S. beef and pork were showcased at the Yakiniku Business Fair in Tokyo, one of the most important annual trade shows for Japan’s restaurant sector. Tom Kasatani, U.S. Meat Export...
What will tariffs mean for fertilizers?
EDIT: Since the following article was published earlier this morning, the White House announced that tariffs on Mexico would be suspended for a month. The deadline came and went, and the United States has placed tariffs on some of our closest trading partners and...
